Active video gaming is good for brain health and memory, finds study

Video games which involve physical activity significantly boost our brain health as we get older, according to new research led by University of Manchester experts.

Study authors Dr Emma Stanmore and Joseph Firth say systems that use physical activity for gaming such as Wii and Xbox Kinect can boost brain functioning in people with neurological impairment, as well as keeping our minds healthy and active as we age.

In the first ever analysis of all published evidence, the researchers aggregated data from 17 clinical trials examining the effects of active gaming on cognitive functioning across 926 people.

It is published in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, and was a collaboration between The University of Manchester, King's College London, KU Leuven and ETH Zurich.

"Various neurological conditions such Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia can also impede people's cognitive functioning and reduce their ability to function day to day.

"Recently, there has been much interest in using active video games in the rehabilitation of these conditions, and to promote healthy aging.

"So we were fascinated to learn that the available evidence shows how these sort of games can significantly improve overall cognitive functioning, and is particularly beneficial for attention, executive functioning and visuospatial abilities.

"Physically-active video games have, according to our research, greater impact on brain functioning than regular physical activity alone – suggesting that their benefits are more than just moving around."

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